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Matt. 26:57-58

57 And [de] they that had laid hold [krateo] on Jesus [Iesous] led him away [apago] to [pros] Caiaphas [Kaiaphas] the high priest [archiereus] , where [hopou] the scribes [grammateus] and [kai] the elders [presbuteros] were assembled [sunago] .
58 But [de] Peter [Petros] followed [akoloutheo] him [autos] afar off [apo][makrothen] unto [heos] the high priest's [archiereus] palace [aule] , and [kai] went [eiserchomai] in [eso] , and sat [kathemai] with [meta] the servants [huperetes] , to see [eido] the end [telos] . KJV-Interlinear

Matt 26:57-58

57 And those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter also was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. NASB

Jesus spent some time with Annas and was then sent to Caiaphas, where we note that several of the scribes and elders were already gathered (like vultures in anticipation of their victim soon dying).

Again, these men will make up the court of judges who will decide the fate of Jesus. And again, it is not the function of a judge to conduct evidence gathering or interrogations concerning an accused. Actually Jesus still has not been accused of anything yet. Though he is bound as one would tie up a very dangerous criminal. And he has been on the receiving end of a beating given Him when He stood before Annas.

These men have been assembled because they have been plotting the end and demise of Jesus, and now they will act as though they have caught public enemy number one. They all gather to see face to face, their enemy.

This lesson, however, is one concerning Peter. He has already denied any association with Jesus, yet he still follows Jesus wherever He is taken.

Fearing for his own life, and at the same time concerned and uncertain for Jesus' sake, Peter hangs on. Probably not knowing what it is he can do. The pull of his friendship with Jesus, and his loyalty just does not allow him to run away permanently, despite his initial failure.

Peter follows from a distance from the home of Annas to the place where Caiaphas is currently. He again enters the courtyard. It is a cold night. The officers and servants have started a fire to keep themselves warm, and Peter joins them to warm himself beside the fire as well.

Now for our lesson. Many a person lives their life at a distance from God, but still within eyesight.

People have ideas as to what they want in life. They have preconceived ideas, and they combine these beliefs with their insecurities, in order to create some sense of security and stability in their life, but it is an artificial security. When a person compromises Gods standards, then he really embraces a lie.

He merely hopes that his choices are good enough to have a decent outcome for his life. Now for some examples, and I hate to give examples because folks think that this principle only applies to the examples I list, or they think that they are somehow exempt from this principle, but suffice to say, this principle applies to all of us sooner or later, and most probably it applies much more to you than you think.

Now for the examples (and I am not picking on you if this just happens to be one of your problems). Marriage is a divine establishment, some people live together without a formal marriage. They rationalize many reasons as to why marriage does not apply to them. Next example. Homosexuality is a sin. God met for male and female to be partnered together, and within the bonds of marriage, but some fear this relationship, and stray off into the sins. Another example. Religion is how many are raised. They are brought up with certain beliefs and when they hear the truth, there is an inevitable conflict. What does one believe? The transition from ones upbringing to Gods truth can be a difficult one. I'll stop there. Needless to say the list of possible compromises and conflicts that we all face (from various forms of self righteousness to sin to criminal behavior), can be a mile long.

What separates the adult from the child (the men from the boys)? And I am referring to the spiritually mature adult? Perseverance, and desire to know, and the intensely genuine desire to have God in ones life.

Remember that our attraction to God and Gods Word are described in many passages as one like that of two people embraced in deep romantic, and passionate love. Very personal and very passionate and very intimate. If that exists in your life then you will succeed in your spiritual goals. If it does not, then you need to recheck your priorities, study, and learn and keep studying and learning and growing up spiritually, and then one day you too will develop that deep desire for Gods Word in your life. Patience!

Peter was immature. He had his own ideas of Gods kingdom and those ideas were being shattered all around him. He failed. But he did not give up. He will fail again and again, and will still not give up, though he will have his 'poor me' moments. But then, don't we all have those moments.

Lacking confidence, Peter watched from a distance. But he still ran the risk of being in among those who were involved in the arrest (the officers and some of the servants). This is how many young spiritual lives function. Uncertain, but still curious.

We all fail in life, don't be fooled. You just need to know that pursuing your spiritual life as you would pursue the most valuable possession in existence and which was positioned right before you, is your best decision you could ever make in your entire life. With God, you will win in life and in eternity. Apart from God, you will lose for certain (no chance to win).

Which is the better choice?

Now is the time to post a prayer.

End Of Lesson

Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.